SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 -- A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of crucial renovations to the Jackson County Truman Courthouse was held in a fitting spot on the courthouse grounds -- within just a few feet of the Harry S. Truman statue.

Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders was joined by Independence Mayor Don Reimal, Missouri State Representative Gary Dusenberg (District 54), Missouri State Senator Victor Callahan (District 11) and Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza Ruiz (1st District At-Large) in cutting the ribbon. While delighted to see the Courthouse grounds restored to their 1933 appearance, Sanders pointed out that the main objective of this summer's renovations was preventing further damage to the building's foundation. CLICK HERE for more details about the renovations.

"I may be one of the few here outside of President Truman who can remember coming up here and sitting on this corner and watching the town wind the clock. And now we're rewinding the clock," said Mayor Reimal. "This is going to be a focal point for Jackson County. The square is going to come back alive...What a day for Jackson County and for Independence. I hope you will make a strong mental note, you were here when this was revitalized. We will continue to make the square and Independence and Jackson County a definite place to be proud of."

Is it 1933? Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony arrive in vintage cars. The renovations involved restoring the Truman Courthouse grounds to their 1933 appearance.

“We wanted to return the Courthouse grounds to their historic 1933 appearance and these renovations needed to be done as quickly as possible to save the building,” said Sanders. “This landmark means a great deal not only to Independence and Jackson County, but to the nation as well. We could not risk letting it deteriorate beyond a point of no return. With the retaining wall down and these renovations completed we can be confident the Truman Courthouse will continue to stand tall for generations to come.”
-- County Executive Mike Sanders